Monastery „Saint Naum“ — Attraction in Municipality of Ohrid

Monastery of Saint Naum is located at the southern shore of Ohrid lake, just before the border with Albania. You can reach it in two ways: by many organized boat trips departing from Ohrid town, or with your car in less than an hour. There's a big parking lot paying around 1,5 Euros flat rate. From there you enter the Monastery area through the gate. Right from here you encounter very strange rules and scenes:

NO PETS allowed - despite you're entering a big open air area, with plenty of greenery, paths,...etc. In that way my wife and I had to split, visiting the complex separately which doubled our time, as one of us had to sit in the parking lot restaurant with our dog (small French Bulldog btw, but no excuses for the officials). We certainly wouldn't take him into the Churches, but this simply makes no sense. At the same time, just after the entrance to the right is a beach. No problem for music playing, children screaming, beer cans and cigarette buts all around - let me remind you ON Monastery promises (within them, not outside). On the way further to the Monastery and Church there're many souvenir, trinkets and home made products (honey, brandy,...) stalls, all along with small mini markets to buy drinks, snacks, as well fast food stalls, so the entire scene looks theme park like and extremely commercialized. For these reasons I deduct two stars.

Apart from that, the complex is really nice. St. Naum was a disciple of Cyril and Methodius, spreading their learning and Cyrillic writing throughout the region. He was considered greatly educated, speaking several languages and having miraculous and curing skills. Therefore, most important is his early 10c Church which is in the middle of the Monastery complex - founded by St. Naum himself, and he's buried there which is a holy and pilgrimage place. Around the middle is a very nice, secluded in a shade by the Black Drim springs restaurant. This one looks nice and suitable for such a place. From there you can take boats to drive you around, however because of the dog policy we weren't...

Monastery Saint Naum in Ohrid, Macedonia is truly a gem that stands out as one of the most beautiful monastic sites in the country and a top contender in the entire region. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid, this ancient sanctuary offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

One of the monastery's most captivating features is the presence of peacocks wandering freely in the monastery's lush gardens. These elegant birds add a touch of natural beauty and enchantment to the already serene surroundings. As you explore the grounds, you'll encounter these graceful creatures, making your visit all the more special.

The view from Monastery Saint Naum is nothing short of spectacular. Perched on a hill, it provides a panoramic vista of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. The shimmering waters stretch out before you, reflecting the sky's hues and creating a mesmerizing sight that's perfect for contemplation and photography.

After immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the monastery and its natural surroundings, you can savor traditional Macedonian cuisine at the on-site tavern. The setting of this tavern is unforgettable, as it offers diners a chance to enjoy a meal with unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. You can indulge in delicious local dishes while relishing the tranquil ambiance and breathtaking scenery.

In summary, Monastery Saint Naum in Ohrid, Macedonia, is a truly captivating destination, offering a combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness. The presence of peacocks, the stunning lake view, and the opportunity to savor traditional cuisine make it a must-visit attraction that leaves a lasting impression on all who have the privilege to...

The monastery complex of St. Archangel Michael - St. Naum is built on a high steep bank with a beautiful view of the lake. To the east of the monastery, in its immediate vicinity, the abundant rocky springs are widely spread. The impressive view of the clear and cold waters flowing into the Ohrid Lake create a very picturesque place that is rich in flora and fauna, with numerous relicts and endemic species. Many underwater and surface springs provide clear, transparent and cold water throughout the whole year. The surface colors of underwater rocks that change or overlap from gray or black to brown, yellow-green, green, blue-green, reddish-purple or purple, come from different types of algae, which like soft overlays or calcified crusts completely cover the stones. The rocky stream at the monastery of St. Naum with its immediate surroundings stands out for its unique blend of natural and cultural values and exceptional natural beauty, making it one of the most important tourist destinations in Macedonia and beyond. St. Naum from Ohrid erected the church in the year of 900 and dedicated it to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel. In 910, after his death, St. Naum was buried in a small chapel in the church. The chapel is decorated with beautiful frescoes with scenes from the life and wonders of St. Naum. Later, during the Ottoman Empire, the church was completely destroyed. The present church was built in several phases between the XVI и XVII century over the foundations of the old church. The today-church does not have the fresco decoration from the X century, and the existing frescoes were painted in 1806. Another characteristic element of the church is its gilded carved iconostasis made in 1711, along with most...